Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Another major public facility will migrate from Fayetteville to more northern reaches of Northwest Arkansas, closer to the fortunes that support the arts ventures.

The Fayetteville Flyer reports:

The Arkansas Music Pavilion’s 2013 season will be its last in Fayetteville.

Members of the Walton Arts Center’s board of directors voted Tuesday to move the outdoor music venue to undeveloped land across Interstate 540 from Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers, ending the the AMP’s nine-year run of concerts in its hometown.

Land from trucking magnate Johnelle Hunt and significant contributions from several sources drove the decision. The Walton Arts Center itself had earlier decided to move its main performing arts venue from Fayetteville to Bentonville.

[Walton Arts Center Director Peter] Lane said 91 percent of the estimated $11 million needed to build the new concert venue is already accounted for and includes a $1.5 million gift from the Walker Foundation; a $2.5 million gift from an anonymous donor; a $3 million interest-free loan plus donated land from Johnelle Hunt; a $500,000 pledge from the city of Rogers; and about $1.5 million in pending gifts, naming rights donations and expected sales of box seats. Cash reserves and a $1.5 million loan from Arvest Bank would round out the funding for the new venue.

UPDATE: More info on the jump.

NEWS RELEASE

WAC Council approves plans to build a permanent outdoor amphitheater in NWA

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (May 28, 2013) —The Walton Arts Center Council approved plans to build a mid-sized, permanent outdoor amphitheater that will attract headlining artists and bigger audiences to Northwest Arkansas. As part of a multi-campus expansion to grow arts and entertainment in the region, the new venue will serve as a major stop for big touring concerts in the MidSouth, competing with markets like Dallas, Tulsa and Kansas City. For concept renderings of the permanent AMP, visit AMP DROPBOX.

Officials expect construction to begin August 2013 with the goal of opening the new venue by summer 2014. With 91% of funding already pledged toward the $11M project and a generous land donation from Hunt Ventures, Inc. at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers, WAC staff and board can focus the fundraising and planning for Walton Arts Center’s Dickson Street campus expansion. For more information about the Walton Arts Center expansion plans, visit www.waltonartscenter.org/futureplans.aspx

Growth of the AMPThe temporary site at the Washington County Fairgrounds has served as a springboard for larger stage set-ups and expanded programming. During the 2012 season, the AMP presented bands like Big Gigantic, Five Finger Death Punch, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr. and the Avett Brothers. This represents a diverse variety of music with a mix headliners and mid-tier artists of all genres, which yielded a 200% increase in ticket sales and 93% increase in audience attendance.

Peter Lane, President/CEO, Walton Arts Center says, “With last year’s success, we also had weather-related and logistical challenges related to operating at a temporary site. But we are proud of the growth and excited about the possibilities of a permanent amphitheater on a site specifically dedicated to outdoor music!”Lane adds, “Patrons and artists deserve a quality experience including a permanent pavilion that minimizes the risk of show cancellations due to weather; amenities like easy access in and out of the venue, comfortable seats, air-conditioned restrooms and upgraded sound and video capabilities. We will look forward to serving the growing demand in Northwest Arkansas and providing a summer destination for traveling music-lovers, whom we know spend about $36 on top of the price of a ticket, positively contributing to the growth of our local economy.”

Search for a Permanent SiteWalton Arts Center purchased the AMP in February 2011 with the goal of expanding the venue to serve a broader and more diverse audience. The AMP has been operating at the Washington County Fairgrounds since moving from the NWA Mall in 2012. After a record-breaking season in 2012, it became clear that a permanent and dedicated site was needed to sustain a profitable business model and meet the growing need for arts and entertainment in the region. Over the last year, Walton Arts Center officials have met with municipalities and developers all over the region, including in Fayetteville and Springdale, to search for a new location. Not only does the Pinnacle Hills site have every characteristic for a permanent venue including proximity to I-540, multiple access points, ample parking and a supporting infrastructure, but it also includes a generous land donation from Hunt Ventures, Inc.

A New AMP ExperienceThe Pinnacle Hills location is ideal for a regional outdoor amphitheater with visibility from I-540 and central location in a commercial district with restaurants, shopping outlets and hotel accommodations.The new and enhanced facility will include features such as:· Seating capacity for more than 6,000+ people

o 3,000 comfortable seats, protected from the weather

o 3,000+ lawn seats with improved sight-lines

· Convenient location right off I-540 (20 minutes from anywhere in NWA)

· Ample parking with easy access in and out

· Entry plaza and drop off area (with wheelchair accessibility)

· Upgraded concessions and air-conditioned restrooms

· 5,590 sq. ft. stage house that can accommodate most touring acts on the road today

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